Nuzzo's first job was serving as school psychologist at Mary L. Tracy and High Plains schools. When Mary L. Tracy School closed in 1979, he moved to Peck Place School and remained there for 18 years.

He then moved back to Mary L. Tracy when it reopened as an early childhood center. In 2003, he became its principal and has remained the school psychologist, as well.

Nuzzo said there are more pressures on children and teachers now.

"Education in general is pressuring children in earlier grades for high achievement," Nuzzo said. "Kindergarten is now like first grade 15 years ago."

"The challenge at MLT is to balance the demand of No Child Left Behind and the teaching that needs to be done, all while realizing we still have a little child. Our staff does that well here," added Nuzzo.

Nuzzo said parents are very involved in their children's educations.

"I think the parents in Orange have always had high expectations. They are interested and care about the schools," he said.

Nuzzo said the educational process in Orange is all-inclusive.

"Orange has always had a family approach to its schools system. When you commit to Orange, you are part of the education family," he said. "When I deal with a parent or child, I treat that individual like a part of my family. It is in the fiber of our school system."

Nuzzo instituted the Golden Rule Pledge -- treat others as you would like to be treated.

"It is the way the school is and how I have tried to run my professional life," Nuzzo said of the pledge.

He said there is more accountability now for teachers and administrators.

"Primarily because the issue of accountability has become important to politicians, and citizens spending money want to see tangible results," he explained.

Nuzzo said there have been several major events during his tenure with the school system.

In 2010, Mary L. Tracy School turned 100 years-old.

"We had a wonderful celebration for the children, alumni and community," he said. "There was a centennial dinner dance. People in their 80s came."

He said the closing of two schools in 1979 was also a major event. "That was tough on everyone. Everyone was afraid of losing their jobs," he said.

In his free time, you will find Nuzzo sitting behind a set of drums -- he is a jazz drummer and played his way through college. He also enjoys photography, and has taken pictures of all his vacations, including Alaska, Hawaii and Russia.

Today's Top Insider StoriesOur journalists provide in-depth analysis and reporting about the people, places and issues that matter most to you. Subscribers get access to all of their comprehensive coverage.Stories from Insider